The Department for Education has revealed further details of its Activities Passport which has been launched to encourage more children to experience new things, from nature trails to flying kites.

Source: ING

Primary school children are being challenged to experience new activities through a new ‘Passport’ full of ideas launched by the Education Secretary, Damian Hinds.

The Activities Passport is being sent to schools this January and will allow teachers to adapt the activities to meet the needs of their students. It will help them build their personal skills during their schools days as well as when they leave the classroom, whether at home or on a school trip.

Supported by organisations such as Scouts, Girlguiding and the National Trust, the new passport will support schools in introducing children to a wide range of experiences and activities, such as flying a kite, learning something new about the area or putting on a performance.

The experiences and activities highlighted in the passport have been created so that every child can get involved and will include milestones for each primary school group. Activities include: painting a self-portrait; posting a letter; looking at the stars on a clear night; playing a board game; writing and performing a poem; going hiking; planning and cooking a meal; interviewing someone.

The inspiration behind the Activities Passport

The ‘bucket list’ of activities has been inspired by the Education Secretary’s visit to St Werburgh’s Primary School in Bristol. At this school, each child is encouraged to take part in a list of tasks with key achievements for each year group.

Education Secretary, Damian Hinds, commented: “When I first became Education Secretary, almost a year ago, I went around asking everyone I met what they wanted for their children. The instinctive answer that came back was never about the curriculum or qualifications, vital as these are – what they wanted first and foremost was for their child to be happy and healthy. As a father that’s what I want for my children and as Education Secretary that’s what I want for all children in this country.

“I regularly hear from teachers that it’s important that children have the chance to try things out, to get a taste of the world around them, to see and do things that they wouldn’t normally do, or go to places they wouldn’t normally go.

“Experience is a great teacher and can equip children with valuable skills that prepare for any challenges life may throw at them. What’s on the inside – someone’s character, drive, resilience, and the ability to stick to a goal - is just as important as their academic achievements.”